E-Bodies are sought-after commodities in the muscle car market, with most Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda cars seeming to have no problem exchanging hands, regardless of condition. The 1970 Dodge Challenger for sale here on eBay is originally from California, and it isn’t plagued with too much rust and typical corrosion issues frequently encountered in large doses on these cars, but it’s a bit of a mystery why the project was ultimately halted, or so it seems. If you’d like to continue the journey, the Challenger has been relocated to Bowling Green, Kentucky, with bidding having reached $17,600, still short of the reserve.
Some good news is the Challenger appears to have a fairly solid body, and the seller has included an additional source that shows about 140 pictures in total, leaving very few areas that remain unseen, so it’s pretty straightforward exactly what you’re getting here. The metal is nowhere near perfect, but most panels appear salvageable, although the passenger side front fender has been replaced. Originally, the car was equipped with a vinyl top, but that’s been removed and the roof is painted black, over all the pitting, adhesive, and whatever was up there, so this area is going to need some attention.
One thing I found unusual is that an intact fender tag can be spotted among the pictures, but there’s not one photo where you can read it. The seller says this was originally a V8 car with an automatic transmission, which is long gone, which brings up another curiosity. Preparations have been made to fit a Generation III Hemi and a Tremec 5-Speed manual, with a few photos from the external link of the drivetrain in the car showing what the seller describes as a “test-fit for reference purposes”, which of course makes me curious why this was stated as only an experiment. In any event, both components were removed and do not come with the car, so if you happen to have a modern Hemi and a Tremec lying around, you’re in luck. If not, you’ll have to put things back the way they were.
While the interior is going to need plenty of freshening up, we do get to view it with the seats out, revealing what appears to be a solid floor pan, sans transmission tunnel. There are also several photos from the underside, which seems solid, and even though the trunk pan is said to have some pitting, it looks far better in this area than many of these cars when the lid is raised. This Challenger seems like a good project from many aspects, it’s just a bit mysterious why the modifications were made yet the car remains a roller. What are your thoughts on this one?
The failure to finish does raise questions. To your question? If I could find a 340 that’s not completely shot the call of nostalgia would be strong. Otherwise, the sellers plans aren’t bad. Modern Hemis are strong and plentiful and with just a little work will outrun all but the strongest vintage engines.
Like nearly all Mopars and especially Chsrgers and Challengers, this exceeds what I personally consider to be rational economics but it will be a pretty resto-mod.
You know what else is plentiful? 225s and even 198s with 3sps. Talk about good economics and ease of installation!
And everyone from Celica to Miata will pull up to your 6cyl wanting to race – ask me…
Yeah so are rubber bands and kites
I like your idea! Unfortunately, if you can find a good 340 that’s not clapped out, it will probably cost more than a modern junkyard hemi and Tremec 5 speed. The good news is it’s a very solid car as E bodies go these days. As an original 318 car, you really could go with any power train you want and not hurt the value long term.
Judging from the pics, this is cleanest first gen Challenger body I’ve seen in probably 20 years. Unless the vinyl is hiding something, I wouldn’t cut this car at all except to finish the floor shift. My Challenger was pretty clean when I started, but not like this. If you had a driveline and $5-6k for parts and materials, you’d be in business.
Do it right, Tremec, 528 Hemi, paint it pink, pink, white, possibly pink white with some tasteful flat black.
I also love the 318 as well as the 225, i think the Odart 4 door with either combination would really get my Geek on. Only the Odart 4 door would have to be that Pea soup green/sinus infection green.
Seeing the “V8” emblem on the front fenders tells me this one came out of the factory with the 318 engine. Seeing that the 5th digit on the VIN plate is a “G” proves it.
Seeing the “V8” emblems on the fenders and that the fifth digit on the VIN plate is a “G” tells me this one left the factory with a 318 engine.
Since this Challenger came with a 318. The front suspension is set up for a small block. The torsion bars are for a small block. I would install a stroker 408 which is putting out near 500 horsepower. Back that up with a beef up 727 automatic 10″ torque converter with a stall speed about 2500 RPMs. Also this vehicle did not have a 8 3/4 rear. Looks like 8 1/4 rear. I would not use this rear end with this motor. It won’t last. It’s easy to find at 8 3/4 for a challenger/ barracuda. Put in posi 3:73 gears . That would be my drivetrain set up. 🐻🇺🇸
I love Mopar “Brunt Orange” but for some reason I see this in a Mopar Lime with a black tail stripe. (maybe it’s the black top) A 340 six pack would be my choice with the ever popular 4 speed pistol grip. Very old school.
You can do what you like with this one, pretty much guilt-free.
We see it possibly as a Vanishing Point replica, or perhaps a T/A tribute, whatever. She’s a fixer.
Just out of curiosity, chevy has their 383, is there some sort of a stroker 318 engine?
Put a LS in it and call it a day.
Heck of a price tag for a “roller”. No motor no trans. No sale!!!
I work too hard for my money to sink a small fortune to “Build” a car from parts. There are too many nice cars available that out there that are ready to drive and enjoy and that are reasonably priced as well.
My thoughts exactly!! It’s like ordering a $20 burger n only getting the buns…. Esta loco mi amigo…
Big issues around front(windshield)and rear glass, seems like roof is hiding something??????, not worth what its going to take unless you got cash to burn…keep shoppin!